Part-time Program Coordinator - Community and Tourism Development - Monroe County

The West Virginia University (WVU) Extension Service, in partnership with Monroe County, is currently accepting applications for a Part-time Program Coordinator.

About the Opportunity

The West Virginia University (WVU) Extension Service, in partnership with Monroe County, seeks an energetic and innovative individual to serve as a Program Coordinator focused on tourism development. This part-time position (.53 FTE) is dedicated to enhancing Monroe County's economic vitality through sustainable tourism and community engagement, supporting the growth of local assets and experiences that attract visitors while enriching resident life.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, delivering, and evaluating educational and developmental programs that build local tourism capacity, promote Monroe County as a travel destination, and connect residents with economic opportunities in heritage, agritourism, nature-based tourism, and rural hospitality. This 12-month, full-time educational staff position will report to the WVU Extension Service and be based in Monroe County.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits at a pro-rated basis, including:

• Paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Annual leave (vacation) days per year
• Sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits (this position is a benefits-eligible, staff position)
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do:

Program Delivery (60%)

• Develop and deliver community-based tourism education and outreach that strengthens local tourism-related businesses and organizations.
• Promote tourism themes such as outdoor recreation, historical and cultural interpretation, agritourism, arts and crafts, food systems, and hospitality training.
• Support the development of tourism activities, events, and signage that reflect Monroe County's unique character.
• Facilitate connection to technical assistance for tourism entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• Foster youth and adult engagement in tourism-related skill development through workshops, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative projects.

Program Planning, Partnerships, and Development (20%)

• Build partnerships with local government, the chamber of commerce, community organizations, and regional tourism development entities.
• Collaborate with WVU Extension agents and state specialists to apply research-based methods to tourism promotion and planning.
• Assist with county-wide activities that increase Monroe County's visibility as a destination.
• Identify community needs and co-create strategies to address them through tourism initiatives.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers for community and tourism development activities.
  

Marketing and Recruitment (10%)

• Assist in marketing tourism programs and events through digital and traditional media.
• Develop and distribute educational content that highlights Monroe County's assets.
• Engage with civic groups, schools, and tourism stakeholders to expand participation.

Professional Development and Reporting (10%)

• Maintain program records, prepare quarterly and annual reports, and contribute to county impact statements.
• Participate in in-service training and professional development related to tourism and community development.

Pay Grade: 15

Work Hours: 20 Hours Per Week

• Bachelor's degree in tourism, hospitality management, marketing, recreation, community development, or a related field
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in rural tourism development, community organizing, or Extension work.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong ability to develop and deliver Extension educational programming.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate complex health information into clear, engaging messages.
• Experience working with multiple populations, especially rural communities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a statewide network.
• Knowledge of local resources and agencies.
• Skills to manage time and keep accurate records & reports, including travel & budget.
• Skills to develop positive participant relationships - congeniality, listening, and empathy.
• Skills to adapt to unusual teaching environments and situations.
• Skills to communicate (written and oral) with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to influence behaviors and impact the lives of those they teach.
• Ability to learn and use computer programs, including but not limited to email, word processing, internet, spreadsheets, etc.
• Ability to work independently with unstructured supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in tourism, community development, or a related discipline.
• Experience in rural tourism development, community organizing, or Extension work.

Special Requirements

• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Physical ability to transport and set up materials and equipment.
  

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently throughout the county and region.
• All WVU & WVUES mandatory training within one (1) year of hire date (Civil Rights, Title IX, etc.)

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.